Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Boy do I miss you! I have never gone this long without posting, but our spring has been quite the whirlwind. From the time our plane hit home from Colorado, we've experienced a death in the family, basement flooding, a broken dishwasher (hand-washing isn't all it's cracked up to be), and an endless supply of exams and papers due - all while maintaining a revolving door of house guests.

There is so much to share, but I am all but drowning in schoolwork. [Word to the wise: working full time while being a new mommy and trying to get a MBA is not for the faint of heart.] Thankfully, reprieve is on the horizon. Only a week of school left and I'll finish for the summer.

I have run-on thoughts and heart stirrings that I want to dive into, but I don't want to miss Ty's ten month post - seeing that we're half way to his 11th month. More on my heart later, today is about Ty!

I cannot believe how much one little man can change your life, heart, and perspective forever. Every day gets better; every month reveals new facets of his person. I don't know how other moms feel - biological or otherwise - but I feel a renewed washing of joy every morning. It doesn't matter how crazy my life becomes or how much laundry and homework cover the floor, Tyrus is a well that I draw from. His smile melts my heart, his roaring makes me giggle, and his gentle kisses make me tear. God has brought so much life to our family through this little boy.

Ben and I have a bedtime routine that involves racing to his bedroom for quiet moments and stares. If ever one of us catches the other in the act, we feign anger...it's something we like to do together. Sometimes we sit and stare, sometimes we whisper quietly, but Ben always kneels down and puts a strong, fatherly hand on Ty's sweaty forehead. Without fail, every night, we leave the room saying, "I love him so much..."

Sweet Tyrus has never been taken for granted. He continues to be a constant reminder of God's love and faithfulness. I don't feel worthy of such goodness.

He is changing so much. Still no crawling - the little buddy refuses to try. What can you do? He loves to walk around furniture and will be taking steps on his own in no time. A rather fearless tenacity has emerged as he is determined to get what he wants when he wants it. It's a deep set quality in me and one I'm thankful passed down.

"Muma" has become the word of the month and Ty says it like it's going out of style. He started calling for me when he was really frustrated or wanted out of an enclosure (bed, high chair, exersaucer), but now uses it more lovingly.

Ty is still a maniac about food. He eats everything and would never stop eating if I didn't declare "all done." I have stopped pureeing all his fruits, as he's able to eat them on his own now, but we still roll with smooth veggies for lack of teeth. Like crawling, he refuses to grow them. A typical meal for Ty consists of 4oz of fruit, 4oz of veggie, a sippy cup of water, a piece of American cheese, and 2 oz of yogurt or similar snack.

We are very healthy conscious, but did let Ty have his first cookie and cake-smashing experience when we were in Colorado. He, of course, made a mess of both and loved every second.

The Daddy/Ty bond gets stronger and stronger as Ty becomes more boy and less baby. They have already begun playing catch, which was a cute skill when it came to ball throwing - not so much when Ty moved on to his bottles...

Our family philosophy is to do everything together. We don't let Ty's age stop us from doing some of our favorite things. We love to include him and expand his experiences (more on that later).

I love watching Ty learn and grow. He is very inquisitive and serious when it comes to figuring out how his toys work. He will sit and work at something for 20 minutes, trying to get it to open or close or move. Watching his comprehension play out is amazing.

My niece has been living with us for two weeks, now and watching her and Ty interact together has confirmed our desire for a sibling. Nya and Ty are almost exactly a year apart and they have been like two peas in a pod, giggling and babbling together. I'm anxious and excited about the next chapter of our story and asking God for direction.

We stand on Philippians 1:6, trusting that God will complete this work he has started. I look forward to exploring what this means for us, with you, in coming weeks.

Hope you're still reading (smile). It's good to be back, my friends, it's good to be back.

I've missed you! I guess I should update my own blog. :o) Oh, my cousin has a 7 month old...with blond crazy hair like Ty's. Almost exactly the same...so I've been trying to convince her to try the 'hawk. (So far, she's not interested.)

welcome back, you almost got an email SEVERAL times from me asking where you were, but, I figured you were just busy :)

Ty is getting so big, I love that he has a personality!

Also, I am going to have to hear about you basement flood story...our flooded when we went to orlando last year and we came home to a full sized basement floor under 6 inches of water :/ it was horrible, yet barely anything was ruined, praise God!

Hope to read more from Rebekah soon. I have missed you friend, thanks for checking my blog though.

Finally, your back!!! been waiting. I remember those days of watching Mitch. Sometimes still sneak into his room now and watch him. He will never be too old for that. Just as Ty's laugh warms you, I melt when I hear my little bug giggle! Enjoy all the craziness!!! Thanks for posting!! Mary

Thanks for entering the Give-Away at My Open Book! And, I really have enjoyed your blog... we adopted our son from Guatemala, and I love connecting with others on this special journey! You may want to read my series on Adoption on my blog (My Open Book: www.dahlhauser.blogspot.com and click on "Adoption" on the right side)Take care!Anne @ My Open Book

Of course we are still reading! I'm sure everyone has their reasons, but I echo those who say your story, and the other Rebekah's story, bring us hope that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel. Ty is gorgeous, and your love for him is obvious, and beautiful. I'll keep my eye out for more of your "heart stirrings":).

I think it is wonderful that you are posting for each month! He is growing up so much and learning so many new things. I'm sure that it is wonderful being able to watch every little step in his life! I also read your last blog, since it's been awhile since I have been able to read everything. The reunion was a wonderful experience to read about. I know that my first one in June will be so hard but a blessing in the same. It's nice to hear your perspective on it and I'm so glad that it did go well. :-)Keep up the awesome work with school and life. I know it can get busy and hard but I know that you can take it all on! :-)

What a sweet post!! He is such a cutie and I love hearing about how he's growing and changing and all the cool stuff you guys do with him...you totally rock as parents. Kudos to you for keeping up with a crazy schedule! What an amazing summer this will be...seems like just yesterday I was waiting for the post to hear Ty was born. I remember I was on vacation in Florida and kept checking your blog - haha! Praying for the growing of you family according to His plan. :)

What a handsome little man he is growing into! I know exactly what you are saying about watching Ty sleep and leaving saying I love him so much. D is almost 4 and we both still do that. Every night. Can't wait to hear what else is going on with you!